Today's Meditation

From The Upper Room The World's Most Widely Read Daily Devotional Guide

Read Mark 1:4-8

Hope does not disappoint us, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.

-Romans 5:5 (NRSV)

AS I listened to the pastor's message, her words caught my attention. She was saying that she wished everyone to receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit. I thought, I am a Christian. I have already been baptized. Why does she talk about being baptized again? I was confused.

Then our church held a special evangelistic meeting. We invited a guest preacher for the meeting, and I wondered if he would help me with my doubt and questions. During the meeting, the preacher invited people to come forward; but I didn't go because I was disappointed in his preaching. My questions about the Holy Spirit had not been answered.

The next evening, I attended church again. The pastor asked people to pray longer than usual. All the people prayed together. To my great surprise, the pastor came to me while I was praying and put her hand on my shoulder. As she prayed for me, I felt the love of God deeply. In that moment, I realized that the Holy Spirit was already within me. My eyes filled with tears of joy.

Kazumi Munehiro

(Fukuoka, Japan)

Prayer: Loving God, help us to know you more fully. By the power of the Holy Spirit, fill us with your love. Amen.